Dee Allum review: A warm and beautifully crafted debut

Edinburgh Fringe

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Edinburgh Fringe 〰️

by Zoe Paskett

Dee Allum’s debut is one that I’ve been itching to see since her 2Northdown New Act Competition win in 2021 – she’s been buzzy for a good few years now and it’s fantastic to see her in Edinburgh with a show that does justice to her talent.

In Deadname, Dee talks about her journey coming out to the various important people in her life, as well as the somewhat less important – her enactment of the HR woman at work short-circuiting brings waves of laughter. But it doesn’t really matter what the HR woman has to say, just as long as her fellow Watford FC fans are on-side.

Her experiences at an all boys’ school and the shock reveal of her English teacher’s identity pepper in gasps amongst the laughter, and she tells us about the indignities you suffer as a trans person, from being stuck on the longest waiting list in the world to needing to pee right after tucking.

A personal highlight comes around the middle when she describes the lengths to which she went to make grand romantic gestures to both her ex and current girlfriends. It’s a beautifully crafted point in a show packed full of beautifully crafted jokes and immensely satisfying pay-offs.

With her warm and open presence, there’s a well-earned and rewarding poignancy towards the end – and happiness in who she is now, while allowing herself also to love who she used to be. 

A brilliant first show!

Dee Allum: Deadname is at Pleasance Courtyard (Below) until Aug 25th, 16:30. Tickets here